While roaming on the streets of Penang, our cab had passed once or twice through the side street of this temple but then at that time the destination was somewhere else. Then we made a point to visit the temple specifically.
At that particular time free distribution of some food items and cash was being done by some one under the big tree in temple premises. People were walking in to collect cold drinks, packets of noodles etc. It was like the BHANDARAS conducted in our home towns on different occasions. That, once again asserted the point that basic principles and sentiments of every religion are same. Sometimes we humans tend to distort certain things for our own limited selfish interests.
People in queue for receiving the distributed eatables and cash . Devotees in their own world.
This temple dedicated to Goddess of Mercy is said to be the oldest temple of Penang. The temple is a very valuable chapter in the history of Penang. It has withstood the tests of time and many attacks by foreign forces on Penang. The temple has undergone certain transformations too accommodating itself to the changing requirements and sentiments of the inhabitants of the place. But despite certain changes outside and inside the temple this place of worship holds a very special place in the hearts of the devotees even today. May be because it gives a feeling of being attached to their ancient roots or may be the belief that this alter really is blessed with certain super divine powers as it stood unharmed during the some very ferocious attacks and bombing by foreign forces.
It is said that the temple was built by early Chinese settlers in Penang and was initially devoted to guardian goddess of seafarers — Mazu. Goddess Mazu appears to be counter part of Devi Ikbira here in India. Koli tribes in Maharashtra who traditionally used to depend on sea for their livelihood, worship goddess Ikbira. I saw her temple near Karla caves. It is said that this temple in Penang was built somewhere near 1728. However the present main deity of the temple i.e. Kuan Yin Teng or Goddess of Mercy had been elevated to it’s place somewhere near 1824 or 25. The temple is sea facing and perhaps when it was built the sea could have been seen from this temple. Now ofcourse the development and construction of buildings have changed the landscape.
The street on which the temple stands was previously known as Pitts street. Still it is referred to as Pitts street but the present day name of the street is Masjid Jalan kapitan Keling. The temple is located on the section of Pitts street over it’s intersection with Chulia street.
The open space in front of the temple has few very unique features. There is a big shady tree with a raised circular platform nearby. The platform was full of many small idols of gods and goddess. This scene too was similar to the one found in our country. In our country after certain festival is over the idols of Gods and Goddesses installed in individual homes are kept under various trees in premises of temples or are floated in streams of rivers.
The idols spreading cheers and adding colours
Pigeons and joss sticks
Pigeons in large number were trotting on the ground, pecking at grains thrown by devotees. It was beautiful to see them walking fearlessly midst human being . They seem to be assured of their safety and well being.
The idols, the joss sticks and the tree , all in one frame
caged birds outside this temple are for sale. People pay for them and release them to let them fly free. It is said to be done to add good karmas.
Another feature of that open space was the big sized Joss sticks. These sticks were about three to five feet high and quite thick. Lighting of sticks inside temple is prohibited. Designated circles, places are in the open space to light and put the sticks.
There is a well also near the old tree where idols are kept.
At the entrance of temple there are huge doors with fearless deities painted on it Or they are guards. In Hindu temples too outside the sanctum of deity on both the side are placed images of Dwarpals/ guards.
The sloping roof of temple is that of typical Chinese temples. It’s interesting to note that similar kind of roof is found in many old age temple in certain southern parts of India.
Red pillars adorned with golden coloured dragons make the temple very beautiful. The architecture of temple displays many chinese elements and includes certain fengsui principles.
There are many deities in rows in the front hall alter. Alter of the jade emperor is in the inner courtyard.
The main hall of temple
Another view of the same hall
Another hall
Lotus shaped candles— Lotus holds a very significant place in Taoism and Buddhism. lotus is symbol of Buddhist purity and enlightenment. An enlightened soul that like lotus rises above the murky and chaotic world all around.
Prayers give us strength to stand here and face the unknown beyond this realm. Prayers are strength.
All pictures copyrighted by sunder Iyer
bits and pieces 
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